Category Archives: biological dentist accepts insurance

For some of us, having a perfect smile seems like a far away dream

If you have ever had a missing tooth–one or more–consider yourself a candidate for implants. Even if you are missing multiple teeth, implants can support a crown or bridge replacing those teeth. Implants function as normal teeth without concern for decay. If all or most of the teeth are missing, implants may be placed to fix a permanent, in place, full-mouth fixture or denture.

Often the process of getting a dental restoration seems overwhelming, read on to get answers to important concerns.

How to get a bridge -vs- how to get an implant

Getting fitted for a denture bridge requires the manual modification of the teeth on either side the bridge. This process significantly weakens adjacent teeth. In order to fit a conventional bridge the structure of the existing teeth has to be ground down to support the false bridge. This practice weakens adjacent teeth.

Dental implants do not affect the health or longevity of neighboring teeth at all, in fact implants support the health of surrounding teeth. Once established, implants are firmly set into the bone making them more natural than dentures or conventional bridges, with none of the shifting that dentures normally display.

Some problems with conventional bridges

• Since they are bonded to the adjacent tooth with a glue-like substance, bridges more often become loose and fall out

• Cracks and fissures form over time, due to normal wear and tear, causing them to become fragile and prone to breakage

• Surrounding soft tissue, and often bone, recedes leaving less support to adjacent teeth

• Improper fit can lead to either tooth decay or irritation to the surrounding sensitive tissue in the mouth

No such problems with implants

• Dental Implants have a good reputation for providing reliable and long-standing service, providing decades of use with few, if any complications

• Comfortable fit and durability because they are well secured and integrated with the bone and gums

• Dental Implants look as natural as real teeth, support the health of surrounding teeth and don’t adversely effect other physiological systems.

Considering the overall advantages patients can expect to benefit from as a result of choosing a dental implant, they are better able to enjoy a healthier lifestyle without the restrictions many denture wearers face. Ultimately, not worrying about dentures becoming loose or falling out when speaking or eating offers a freedom that simply makes sense. The more secure foundation offered by a dental implant improves biting pressure, making it possible to enjoy the foods that a patient probably would not be able to using a dental prosthetic. With improved chewing ability it is more likely for a person to have a better diet and therefore improved overall healthfulness.

Cold and flu tax your oral health too

Flu and cold viruses are a part of life. We wash our hands, take vitamins, and try to stay healthy, inevitably the average adult will still get 2 to 4 colds per year. The full magnitude of the annual cold and flu season is often overlooked. However, in America, the cold virus alone, claims nearly 60 million sick days annually.

Viral infections and your oral health

Dry Mouth:

Cold viruses, and many other viruses, dry out the oral cavity.

The use of many medications that suppress runny noses and excess mucus, also contribute to drier mucus membranes.

Many drugs may ultimately leave the mouth drier.

Dry mouths are less slippery, allowing bacterial colonies to thrive.

Breathing from the mouth due to swollen, congested nasal passages dries the oral membranes contributing further to dry mouth,

Cough drops and throat lozenges, even cough syrup, are sticky and sweet.

Sugar from these medications feed bacteria that cause decay and cavities.

Ginger ale and other fizzy drinks help with dehydration and nausea, they also create prime conditions for bacteria to thrive in.

Inhalers, used to help treat asthma, bronchitis, lung inflammation and COPD have medicine that dries surfaces in the mouth, creating areas ideal for bacteria to colonize.To ward off the effects of these oral medications, rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after using them. Stay adequately hydrated.

Fatigue:

Being over tired, lethargic and general malaise are all common symptoms when battling a cold or flu virus.

Ceramic Implants Done For Best Potential Outcome:
Multi-visit placement vs single day implant

You need a dental restoration. Some dental practices advertise single day restorations. Instant dental implants and no required follow ups for additional treatments.

Ceramic implants, far and away, are the best looking, strongest, healthiest, and most natural option for tooth replacement.

Any concerns about longevity or durability have been put to rest since ceramic options can last as long as natural, healthy, teeth.

Add to that how much ceramic implants actually increase the viability and vitality of your whole mouth in comparison to other replacement options and the choice was made for you.

You may be considering your options for the restorative procedure itself. There are dentists who offer single day implants. A one day visit to fix everything. Most dentists however, prefer several visits to complete the implant, restoration processes.

You might wonder if it matters

The promise of instant gratification and less planning or scheduling is tempting.

You are considering if it really makes a difference in the outcome.

It’s comforting to hope that such a big procedure could be over and done in a single day.

That may be part of the reason single day visits are offered.

We are programmed to go looking for the easy button, instant gratification.

Word of warning

The science and research indicates one major factor contributting to implant failure is not allowing time for bone and soft tissues to heal before completing the procedure.

Do your mouth a favor and give it the proper time to heal.

A ceramic implant is anchored in the jaw bone. Depending on several factors, including the number of teeth to be restored and the quality and quantity of bone material, you may be able to start with the initial procedure being the anchor itself.

In some instances there may be recommended procedures to do prior to implanting the anchor in order to ensure proper bone mass and health. Afterwards the anchor is given adequate time for the bone around it to heal and be strongly attached. There may be a follow up exam to confirm this. The next step is placing a new, ceramic, fixed, permanent tooth.

Invest in Your Health

Most implant procedures are very predictable and your skilled dentist can make the entire procedure nearly effortless. It’s worth the wait to know you’ve got the most advanced, successful system. You are investing time to ensure the best outcome, giving yourself the best odds of a restoration that will last your entire life and look great doing it. Lets face it, this was no small decision and you should know, you’ve done your research. When you come in to see us we will be happy to work with you to find the best time and availability to fit your schedule.

As we build healthy habits and healthy bodies, remember to be vigilant of effects on your mouth from common viruses that cause things like cold, flu and strep. Staying healthy and virus free can help keep your mouth healthier too.

Cold and flu viruses affect your oral health too

Flu and cold viruses are a part of life. We wash our hands, take vitamins, and try to stay healthy, inevitably the average adult will still get 2 to 4 colds per year. The full magnitude of the annual cold and flu season is often overlooked. However, in America, the cold virus alone, claims nearly 60 million sick days annually.

Viral infections and your oral health

Dry Mouth: Cold viruses, and many other viruses, dry out the oral cavity. The use of many medications that suppress runny noses and excess mucus, also contribute to drier mucus membranes. Many drugs may ultimately leave the mouth drier. Dry mouths are less slippery, allowing bacterial colonies to thrive.

Breathing from the mouth due to swollen, congested nasal passages also dries the oral membranes contributing further to dry mouth, and bad breath.

Good Oral Health Supports Good Overall Health

Recent studies support what clinicians have long suspected. Individuals who have unhealthy teeth and gums, tend to be less healthy overall. Higher rates of oral infections are linked to higher rates of bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

The ideal time to improve your oral health is right now, but if you are sick or feeling under the weather, don’t neglect taking care of your oral hygiene.

Call or come in and make an appointment today and we can help you get your best oral health, and your brightest smile.

Mental health fitness: your oral health may be linked more than you know

Mental Health means a lot of different things. There are mental health issues that are tied to genetics and mental health issues affected by age, experience, general health and a barrage of other factors. Consider that, for most otherwise healthy individuals, many conditions our body and minds experience are closely tied to a variety many parts of our lives. Environment, health, diet, genetics, amount of sleep, even physical exercise have been shown to affect our mental health. How does the health of your mouth relate to these things?

The mouth is a vector to the rest of the body, and mind. Everything that enters the mouth enters the body via the gastro (stomach) system or directly through the thin, permeable skin inside the mouth. Consequently toxins from pesticides, chemicals, metals and other harmful substances can go directly into the bloodstream. After prolonged exposure enough of any toxin can build up. This is how metals from dental work, even fluoride, can eventually affect peoples physical, even mental health.

Fluoride as it relates to mental health

For decades many generations of Americans have believed that healthy smiles are dependent on the use of fluoride. There are many opinions from many different professionals regarding fluoride, just ask. To develop a broader understanding of the fluoride issue look at the various facts about fluoride. Particularly in relation to how it affects a persons mental health.

When it all started

Ever since the 1950’s American dentist have been recommending preventative fluoride treatment. For decades dentist noticed that community with natural supplies of fluoride in the water had significantly less incidents of tooth decay. Cue the flood of fluoride into the American household. What started as an additive to community water supplies ended up being in toothpaste, mouthwash, baby supplements, even foods that are canned using water supplies fluoridated. All of this resulting in two thirds of the American municipal water supply being treated with added fluoride, and a barrage of healthcare products, supplements and even some foods.

When fluoride occurs naturally, a mineral called calcium fluoride, trace amounts of it absorb over time into ground water. The mineral-calcium fluoride-routinely shows up in natural water supplies and surrounding community population demonstrate lower incidence of cavities. Adding fluoride in its natural form to municipal water supplies would seem like the thing a good argument. Except that the fluoride added to municipal water does not occur naturally.

Fluoride added to water today comes from chemical waste products. A debate to add fluoride to water bases all research on communities with natural fluoride. No substantial evidence has shown chemical waste derived fluoride to reduce dental decay.

How this relates to mental health

Fluoride is a Toxin.

Across the country adults are aware of the inherent danger in fluoride exposure. Children can easily overdose, pets can get sick. We withhold toothpaste with fluoride to infants and young children. American consumers educate themselves on many toxins that find their way into homes and foods, even avoiding plastics in foods, BPA’s, over processed foods and pesticides. Yet fluoride gets a green light.

Great Tips For Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

As soon as we can hold a toothbrush we are taught that we need to brush, floss, and use mouthwash to make sure to keep our teeth healthy. These three basic things are so common that we tend do them automatically and without thought. Not paying attention to what we are doing and how we are doing it will eventually lead to our teeth not looking the way they used to. Eventually that can lead to the last that thing that you want from your teeth; a yellow, dirty or discolored smile. The culmination of these symptoms, a potential cavity, gum disease or worse. The last type of disease that you want in your mouth, periodontal disease, can easily follow. Keeping your teeth healthy is something that should be taken seriously and not fooled around with.

Follow these simple tips for healthy teeth and a beautiful smile:

Brushing: We know that we all have to brush twice a day, but how you brush makes a difference. Always take time when brushing your teeth;

Use bristles that are comfortable for your teeth and gums. Use the proper motion of actually brushing on your teeth by going forwards and backwards while not forgetting to brush the insides of your teeth as well.

Flossing: Flossing, while often overlooked as vital, plays an important role in dislodging debris between teeth and removing bacterial colonies in tight spaces. People tend to dismiss flossing from their teeth cleaning routine because, in reality flossing helps reach the spot in between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot. Flossing helps remove all the plaque in between the teeth and the surrounding gum lining. Make sure to floss daily to ensure your teeth stay as healthy as possible.

Mouthwash: Though not as important as the other two methods to keep a set of healthy teeth, mouth washing ranks as one of the easiest ways to add one more safety net for your teeth. People that regularly use mouthwash are much less likely to get gingivitis and excessive plaque. On average, mouth washing twice a day gives the most benefits. Using mouthwash recommended by your dentist will also provide you with a wash ph balanced, and free of chemicals or sugar that may not be beneficial. Some mouthwash also promote slippery saliva, in turn protecting teeth from bacteria further.

Having experience in the dental field and knowing the importance of having clean, healthy teeth is what Dr. Marilyn K Jones has been about even since getting handed her dental degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Jones, a great student of health throughout her life, and knows what is needed to keep a person healthy and their teeth happy.

Call our office now at (713) 785-7767 to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to meeting you and earning your trust.

Poisonous time capsule: Root Canal

Root Canals use a variety of dangerous chemicals to clean the inside of the tooth

That’s one way to describe a root canal. Mini time capsules in the body, full of poison. Toxins, trapped inside the body, with the potential to spread inside your body, then attack your immune system, potentially triggering an immune response. That outcome can wreak havoc on organs and tissues. Ultimately this compromises an otherwise healthy body.

Ask anyone, most people are opposed to having a necrotic cesspool of decay and disease trapped inside their body.

A morgue in your mouth

Dead, and dying tissue, and bacterial colonies sealed inside a mini coffin. A root canal does exactly that. When a patient gets a root canal, it then creates a mini coffin of chemicals and necrotic tissue. Root canal procedures originally were designed to save a tooth with too much nerve and tissue damage to remain alive. In other words due to infection, trauma, or decay the nerve, blood supply and pulp inside the tooth have been died, or is dying. Without some kind of intervention (sometimes a root canal) further complications can then arise. Those complications may be an abscessed tooth or further decay tooth may abscess, continue to decay. Additionally the tooth may fall out, leading to even more problems.

Root Canals are performed by removing all of the soft insides of a tooth: the blood vessel that nourishes the tooth, the nerve, and pulp. Harsh chemicals are irrigated into the “canal” made after grinding out the inside of the tooth. Chemicals used to irrigate the canal in the tooth are intended to sterilize as much of the canal, or hole, as possible and kill any remaining, living tissue. As a result, embalming what remains of the tooth.

The 100% guarantee

We know after decades of research, and thousands of patients, that removing 100% of the rotting tissue is 100% not possible. Consequently in every case bits of necrotic (dead, diseased) tissue gets left behind. 100% of the time. Bacterial colonies and infection eventually permeate surrounding tissue and bones. This will ultimately weakening and damaging local tissue. Those same toxins and bacteria can lead to a systemic effect on the rest of the body.

As toxins, from a root canal, infiltrate the blood stream and collect in organ tissues chronic health issues become compounded and new issues develop. Immune systems that are already under attack or otherwise compromised sustain the most damage. As the medical news around this potential hazard continues to develop, many dentist are adopting new solutions to address dead, dying or abscessed teeth.

Do You Have a Root Canal?

If you have already had a root canal? Have you had a root canal recommended? Come see our team and have an expert give you all of your options. Our team can give you healthy yet attractive alternatives. Choices that maintain and support your body’s overall health and immunity.

The Rolls Royce of dental restorations, as close to the real thing as you can get: Ceramic Implants

More Choices than Ever Before

Clients today have a few choices in dentistry when considering types of tooth replacement. From prostheses and bridges to permanent dental implants. For a culmination of reasons implants head the top of the list in regards to preference by both patient and doctor. Implants have medical benefits over other standardized tooth replacement choices but they are also practical, durable and much more pleasing aesthetically.

Ceramic Implants-the Gold Standard: Strong

Currently ceramic implants, also known as zirconium or zirconia, are outpacing other options for tooth replacement at an exponential rate. The material in the implants, Zirconium, in addition to being biologically inert in the human body, and having a high tensile strength (very strong) is considered preferable by many simply because it offers the most real looking tooth replacement option.

Ceramic Implants-the Gold Standard: Beautiful

Since ceramic dental implants can so closely match the look and feel of natural teeth they immediately lend a sense of confidence to the patient. There is no denture to mess with, no embarrassing creams or gels, and no speech issues associated with tooth loss and tooth replacement be it with dentures or other prostheses. There are no restrictions on diet and eating habits, no risk of losing the implant or damaging it while eating. The recipient of a ceramic dental implant also reduces the chance of bone loss in the jaw resulting in the potential of additional dental issues and a diminished jaw-line.

Ceramic Implants-the Gold Standard: Healthy

While the option to use metal implant post, made from titanium, stainless steel or other alloys, for permanent implants can still be performed this option has aesthetic drawbacks. Metal post were the traditional material used in implants for decades; the aesthetic drawbacks included a sliver-grey color to the artificial tooth.

Additionally all white ceramic dental implants will not reveal ugly gray lines like in the case of titanium or other metal implants. In instances of metal implants a distinguishable line is typically seen at base of the new tooth. With Ceramic implants even if soft tissue around the tooth recede, over time, there is no dark metallic line visible at the gum line.

Ceramic Implants-the Gold Standard: Natural

Zirconium, or ceramic implants are virtually indistinguishable from real teeth, they do not absorb stains from food or discolor over time. Ceramic implants can last a lifetime and retain their shape and color for the duration. They can be used in the case of one or a few missing teeth or to anchor other prostheses when appropriate. They support the mouths natural immune system and will not absorb odor, resist plaque and are as easy to maintain as real teeth. They support bone and tissue growth the same way natural bone and teeth do.

Implants are permanent and placing one in such a way that it looks its best and is the most authentic requires a degree of expertise. The placement of permanent implants is a surgical procedure so choosing a skilled doctor with a high degree of expertise is paramount for the best look and feel of your new teeth.

Stop Dental Pain

At our biological dental practice in Houston, Texas, we routinely get calls from people in pain, often with a bad toothache or other dental emergency. They are hurting and want to know how to fix it now. They want a healthy alternative to their regular dentist (that’s why they called a biological dentist) and they want to know the safest way to get out of pain quickly.

Stop dental pain before it starts

Unfortunately, the safest way is to not get into pain in the first place. Obviously things happen in life and sometimes a toothache in unavoidable, but most patients wait too long and a preventable dental problem escalates into a major dental emergency and often a major dental procedure.

So how do you know when you should see a dentist? What are the early warnings signs so you nip things in the bud before they escalate to major problems?

Floss regularly. I know you’ve heard it before, but I’m not telling you to floss to keep your teeth clean (you already KNOW that). If you floss regularly you will notice small cavities or other problems between the teeth sooner. A small cavity is MUCH easier to fix than a big one – which might require an extraction and dental implant. If you floss and feel a small pain, twinge, or anything else weird or out of the ordinary, give us a call and we can probably prevent the problem from getting any worse.

Look in the mirror. Most of us are so used to brushing our teeth that we don’t watch ourselves do it anymore. Spending a few minutes before or after you brush to look in the mirror can prevent a lot of problems. Pull your lips back and check along the gum line. Are there any bumps? Any discoloration? Lesions? All of those things could mean major problems forming under the gum-line. And most of those early warning signs can prevent major dental work – and a major toothache – later.

Pay attention when you eat. Pain or twinges in your mouth while eating are often a sign of bigger problems. If you eat sugar and have some pain, you might be getting a cavity (did you know many cavities, when treated early, don’t even need to be drilled out? Catch them early to save yourselves the whir of the drill!). Pain when eating hot or colds things? Your gums could be having an issue or maybe a cavity. Hurts when you chew on one side? Maybe an abscess, infection, cavity, cracked tooth… any number of things.

Do your teeth hurt when you wake up in the morning? This is a classic sign of bruxism – or grinding your teeth. Why does it matter? If you grind at night, you are at risk for TMJ problems, cavities, cracked teeth, and more. All of which can be avoided with a simple bite guard if caught early. If your mouth hurts when you wake up, call and schedule an appointment.

90% of dental emergencies can be avoided by taking the simple precautions above. Regular visits to the dentist don’t have to be scary or painful – they can prevent scary and painful visits later, in fact. So give us a call. Check for the early warning signs, and prevent future dental emergencies.

And if you do have an emergency, come visit our holistic dental practice in Houston – we are happy to help keep your mouth beautiful and healthy – and out of pain!

The Fluoride Debate: To Use Fluoride Or Not To Use Fluoride

The Debate: Beautiful and healthy smiles may not be dependant on fluoride use.

You can find a professional opinion at every turn regarding the argument: To Fluoride or Not To Fluoride. The topic “to use fluoride” or “not to use fluoride” should be less confusing. One simple answer. A nice and neat, black and white answer is what we need. Historically, in science, black and white are not something easily come by. Currently the ongoing argument finds dentist on the defense weather they are pro fluoride or anti-fluoride.

Why The Debate?

Fluoride has been a staple of the American dental regimine and dentist recommendations since the 1950’s. You don’t have to look long, or hard to see why that protocol fell into place. Communities with naturally fluoridated water supplies had drastically lower rates of decay, sometimes as low as 30% lower than non fluoridated communities. Enter fluoride’s stampede into the american household. Fluoride found it’s way into toothpaste, mouthwash, baby vitamins, and municipal water supplies across the country. Today more than two thirds of americans are currently receiving artificially fluoridated water at their faucet. Additionally some of their foods, toothpaste, many mouthwashes and supplements can contain fluoride.

Naturally occurring fluoride is a mineral called calcium fluoride, found in various places around the world it readily absorbs into ground water in trace amounts. Communities with naturally occurring calcium fluoride, a mineral found in various regions around the world, have consistently demonstrated lower incidence of tooth decay so the argument seemed sound. Except that the fluoride added to municipal water supplies all around the country is not naturally occurring calcium fluoride.

Fluoride is a Toxin

Many Americans are aware that fluoride is a toxin, yet somehow we look past the fact that a tube of toothpaste easily contains enough fluoride to kill a small child. As consumers we’ve educated ourselves about all kinds of toxins that find their way into our bodies, even switching out the containers in our homes to eradicate exposure to BPA’s and other known chemicals with potential to harm.

Fluoride is not an unknown. Science has linked fluoride exposure to cancer, complications with diabetes, dementia, arthritis, mental defects, alzheimer’s, birth defects and a whole myriad of other complications. Still we have not eliminated or reduced our exposure, our children’s exposure or the eventual overload to the environment to the toxins of fluoride.

Since fluoride is nearly impossible to filter out of water the best option to reduce exposure is to get it out of toothpaste and mouthwash products in your home. There are alternatives that are very effective, maybe more so than fluoride, at remineralizing enamel and strengthening teeth. In essence fluoride only effectively works topically, unless teeth are still forming below the gum line, otherwise ingesting fluoride serves no purpose and, in fact, is toxic.

In the long list of everyday things people come into contact with that are toxic, potentially even deadly, fluoride should not be overlooked or separated out from worst offenders. Fluoride hurts people. In many cases it is forced on us through regimented doses in public water systems.

Alternatives to Fluoride

There are ways to help ensure tooth enamel stays strong and resilient while avoiding fluoride products. Individuals may focus on foods that are especially good at remineralizing teeth, eliminate specific foods that soften and wear out enamel and use products like xylitol that have shown potential in remineralizing and protecting enamel. These are just a few of the options when it comes to eliminating a toxic substance and continuing to protect your teeth and overall health.

Contact our office for products and information about alternatives to fluoride.